Warden wrote:Is TDE's setting high fantasy like Earthdawn, standard, like the Forgotten Realms, or darker like Warhammer?
Does it lean toward larger than life characters or is it more grounded, gritty, and realistic in feel?
In other words, what atmosphere does TDE's setting look to present?
TDE5 is not a High Fantasy game... his universe is a kind of realistic fantasy with elements of a grim atmosphere in the style of Germanic tales and legends.
The uniform style of the very beautiful illustrations of TDE5 books clearly shows this "realistic" aspect.
It is a world centred mainly on human peoples... peoples who are references to clear historical landmarks of our real world. Magic and monsters are present, but mystical powers do not have the unbridled power levels of the D&D universes. While spellcasters can perform domination rituals or cast curses, they cannot eliminate entire guard troops on their own... they need the help of superior forces.
The theme of the dark forces prowling in the shadows of a world where mystical effects are known but rare in the lives of common people is central.